Friday, November 12, 2010

It's been a tough week at work. I'm not going into details; let's just say we got some bad news that made everyone in our division pretty glum.

So I did the only thing I could to spread a little sunshine. I baked brownies. Lots and lots of brownies. I quadrupled my basic recipe and baked them in a half-sheet pan. I took the pan to work and put it in the kitchen. Next to the pan I taped a note: "Chocolate is good for morale."

Did the brownies help? Probably not much. But it's chocolate. It sure can't hurt.

P.P.S. Sorry there's no photo of the actual brownies. I got back to the kitchen a little too late.

Best chocolate brownies

2 ounces unsweetened chocolate (I prefer Valrhona)

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/8 tsp salt

1/2 cup flour

1/8 cup cocoa powder, the darker the better

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 tsp almond extract (optional)

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Melt together the chocolate and butter over low heat. Let cool a few minutes. Stir in the sugar, then the eggs, beating well. Add the salt, flour, cocoa powder and extract(s). Pour into a greased 8x8 baking pan and bake 35 minutes, or until the brownies are set and the middle has cracked a little (that's how you know they're done, and not liquid, in the center). Let cool, cut, and dig in.

Note: If you're multiplying the recipe and baking the brownies in a sheet pan instead, cut the baking time way down - thinner brownies bake faster. Check them after 20 minutes, and definitely don't keep them in longer than 25.

Haha, I just brought cookies into work today, sweets at work are always a plus, and kudos to you for wanting to brighten the spirits at your office. :) I am not surprised there were not brownies left to take photos of! I hope you at least got to eat one??

I am so sorry about your week and the bad news at work but I have to say that your co-workers are so lucky to have you! You must be great to work with!!Is there an empty desk next to you? I could kind of go for some brownies right about now....I hear you make the BEST!

I think they actually helped. The fact that there are no brownies, is a good indication. And makes for an even photos. I am sorry about the bad news but I am sure you brought a bit of sunshine to their week. Angie

I have tears running down my face. This isn't right, Erika. A pan of nothing? I get the point, but I need the visual. I need the SEE the brownies. For confirmation purposes, you understand. Love you anyway...LOL.

@Richsistah - if you really need to see the brownies, look at the photo on my original post about this recipe: http://www.inerikaskitchen.com/2009/01/deepest-darkest.html . Not the greatest photo, but you get the idea.

OK, I'm making these brownies early tomorrow morning for some friends. But I have a quick question: I just realized that the chocolate I bought was NOT unsweetened -- it is organic 73% dark chocolate from Trader Joe's. So it won't be overly sweet, should I cut the sugar to 2/3 or 3/4 cup instead of 1 cup? Thanks!